Dilip Tirkey


Dilip Tirkey, is a former Indian field hockey player and his playing position was of full back. He was best known for his penalty corner hit. Dilip was one of the most difficult defenders to beat in the world. He was an ex-captain of Indian hockey team. On 22 March 2012, he was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha as one of the three Biju Janata Dal candidates to the Upper House of Indian Parliament. Presently, Dilip Tirkey is working as chairman of Odisha Tourism Development Corporation.

Personal life

Dilip Tirkey was born to Vincent Tirkey a former Odia hockey player and Regina Tirkey on 25 November 1977. His twin younger brothers Anoop Tirkey and Ajit Tirkey play for Railways. He is married to Mamta Tirkey and He was appointed as Deputy Manager in Air India in 1996. Tirkey is a Roman Catholic Christian.

Career

He made his debut in 1995 against England. He represented India in 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics and had a total of 412 international caps. He is the only Adivasi to represent India in three Olympics.
On 2 May 2010, he announced his retirement from the international arena.
He declined to become a national selector on 16 July 2010, three days after he was offered the post by Indian Hockey Federation.

Awards and honours